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The Classic Six Steps

6 steps

 

These Six Steps are also available in:

Nederlands (Dutch)  |  Deutsch (German)  |  Español (Spanish)
עברית (Hebrew)  |  Italiano (Italian)  |  Português (Portuguese)
日本語 (Japanese)   |  Dansk (Danish)  |  Suomi (Finnish)  |  学习聚焦:经典六步法 (Chinese)

Most people find it easier to learn Focusing through individual instruction than through simply reading about it.  The classic six steps defined by Eugene Gendlin in his 1978 book Focusing are offered here as a starting point for understanding the process.

Although these steps may provide an introduction, it is important to remember that they are not the way to do Focusing.  Indeed most teachers have developed their own styles of teaching which don't conform to these specific steps. There is no rigid, fixed agenda for the inner world; many Focusing sessions bear little resemblance to the technical process that we define here.

So we offer to you six steps with the caveat that it is a scaffolding for you to use for as long as it's useful.  As you grow in your practice and experience our many different teachers, you will probably move beyond these steps to allow a more fluid process that suits you.

Beginner

 

 

 

WHEN YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE

Some are able to have meaningful experiences of Focusing by reading about the steps as Gendlin wrote them (below), but most find that studying with a teacher is best.  In our listings of Courses and Events, you can find many options in many languages for learning from our certified teachers.  Generally, you will first learn to engage in Focusing Partnerships. Once you learn the basics, ask your teacher if they feel you are eligible to receive our Proficiency in Focusing Partnership Award.  Once you have that, then you can find a Focusing partner through our Partnership Network, which is a free service for members of The International Focusing Institute.  As you move further in your process, you might be interested in becoming certified.


What follows is a lightly edited excerpt from The Focusing Manual, chapter four of Focusing by Eugene Gendlin.

Focusing Book - Eugene Gendlin

The inner act of Focusing can be broken down into six main sub-acts or movements. As you gain more practice, you won’t need to think of these as six separate parts of the process. To think of them as separate movements makes the process seem more mechanical than it is—or will be, for you, later. I have subdivided the process in this way because I’ve learned from years of experimenting that this is one of the effective ways to teach Focusing to people who have never tried it before.

Think of this as only the basics. As you progress and learn more, you will add to these basic instructions, clarify them, and approach them from other angles. Eventually—perhaps not the first time you go through it—you will have the experience of something shifting inside.

So here are instructions in brief form, manual style. If you want to try them out, do so easily, gently. If you find difficulty in one step or another, don't push too hard; just move on to the next one. You can always come back.

1 Clearing a space

What I will ask you to do will be silent, just to yourself. Take a moment just to relax . . . All right—now, inside you, I would like you to pay attention inwardly, in your body, perhaps in your stomach or chest. Now see what comes there when you ask, "How is my life going? What is the main thing for me right now?" Sense within your body. Let the answers come slowly from this sensing. When some concern comes, DO NOT GO INSIDE IT. Stand back, say "Yes, that’s there. I can feel that, there." Let there be a little space between you and that. Then ask what else you feel. Wait again, and sense. Usually there are several things.

2 Felt Sense

From among what came, select one personal problem to focus on. DO NOT GO INSIDE IT. Stand back from it. Of course, there are many parts to that one thing you are thinking about—too many to think of each one alone. But you can feel all of these things together. Pay attention there where you usually feel things, and in there you can get a sense of what all of the problem feels like. Let yourself feel the unclear sense of all of that.

3 Handle

What is the quality of this unclear felt sense? Let a word, a phrase, or an image come up from the felt sense itself. It might be a quality-word, like tight, sticky, scary, stuck, heavy, jumpy or a phrase, or an image. Stay with the quality of the felt sense till something fits it just right.

4 Resonating

Go back and forth between the felt sense and the word (phrase, or image). Check how they resonate with each other. See if there is a little bodily signal that lets you know there is a fit. To do it, you have to have the felt sense there again, as well as the word. Let the felt sense change, if it does, and also the word or picture, until they feel just right in capturing the quality of the felt sense.

5 Asking

Now ask: what is it, about this whole problem, that makes this quality (which you have just named or pictured)? Make sure the quality is sensed again, freshly, vividly (not just remembered from before). When it is here again, tap it, touch it, be with it, asking, "What makes the whole problem so           ?" Or you ask, "What is in this sense?"

If you get a quick answer without a shift in the felt sense, just let that kind of answer go by. Return your attention to your body and freshly find the felt sense again. Then ask it again.

Be with the felt sense till something comes along with a shift, a slight "give" or release.

6 Receiving

Receive whatever comes with a shift in a friendly way. Stay with it a while, even if it is only a slight release. Whatever comes, this is only one shift; there will be others. You will probably continue after a little while, but stay here for a few moments.

IF DURING THESE INSTRUCTIONS SOMEWHERE YOU HAVE SPENT A LITTLE WHILE SENSING AND TOUCHING AN UNCLEAR HOLISTIC BODY SENSE OF THIS PROBLEM, THEN YOU HAVE FOCUSED. It doesn't matter whether the body-shift came or not. It comes on its own. We don't control that.

Instructions for Not Following Instructions

Isn't it wrong to publish instructions for inward personal process?

One danger with a set of instructions is that people might use them to close off other ways. Anything human involves more than one method. Please notice, we don't say that this method is all you need or might find valuable. Had we said that, we hope you would have thought us stupid.

Anything you learn here can go well with anything else that you may find helpful. If there seems to be a contradiction, go easy. Let your own steps find the way to reconcile the contradiction.

There are other reasons one might not like specifics, such as these steps. Instructions may seem to diminish mystery and openness, although that is not so.

Also, written instructions cannot avoid misunderstandings. No formula fits every person. Anyway, one must find one's own path.

These problems occur with all types of knowledge about humans.

Adopt a "split-level" approach to all instructions: On the one hand follow the instructions exactly, so that you can discover the experiences to which they point. On the other hand be sensitive to yourself and your own body. Assume that only sound expansive experiences are worth having. The moment doing it feels wrong in your body, stop following the instruction, and back up slightly. Stay there with your attention until you can sense exactly what is going wrong.

These are very exact instructions for how not to follow instructions!

And, of course, they apply to themselves, as well.

In this way you will find your own body's steps, either through the instructions, or through what is wrong with them.

Focusing is always like that: You don't push on if it doesn't feel right, but you don't run away either. You go no further, but you back up only a little, so that you stay until what is in the way becomes clear.

Focusing is quite safe. It may not work but it is not negative. So, if you sense something that does not feel life-forwarding and sound in your body, sense what that is until that opens.

But isn't it the height of self-contradiction to give exact steps for how not to follow instructions? Indeed. One often needs several attitudes at once.

In a society increasingly skilled at human processes, of course we share the specifics we learn. Shall we teach the specifics of driving a car and not the specifics of finding and opening the bodily felt sense? But, human processes do give rise to more different specifics than can be logically consistent. Human nature is not fixed and not knowable in some single system. That is fortunate. No knowledge can push you out of the driver's seat of your life. Especially not our knowledge here, which is to be about finding your own process!

Therefore this knowledge, here, must arrange for itself to be superseded by you, as you sense for what feels sound, inside you. Instructions for not following instructions are the essence of Focusing—one's own inwardly opening steps.

If you stop and sense what's wrong at any point, and if you wait there until that opens and reveals itself, you can make good use of all sorts of methods and instructions. You do any method better than its authors can arrange.

 

INTRODUCTORY VIDEOS:

This video was made by Dr. Kathy McGuire, who studied directly with Gene Gendlin.  It's a great introduction to the Six Steps:

Gendlin's Six-Step Focusing Exercise

Gene Gendlin on Focusing

Gene Gendlin introductory Focusing

 

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Current Beginner and Introductory Events

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Location
Language of Instruction
- Eastern Time
Empathy Circle Annette Dubreuil
An empathy circle, practiced in a Focusing way, is a regular Focusing exchange, held by the entire group. As such, there is a Focuser, a listener, and the remaining participants act as observers/witnesses. After the Focusing, each are invited to offer an empathic reflection to the Focuser.
.

Online via Zoom.
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Changes Groups, Ongoing
- Eastern Time (New York Time)
Annette Dubreuil circle of chairs picture
A Changes Group is a free-of-charge, peer-led group that meets so people can exchange Focusing and listening turns in an atmosphere of safety and mutual respect. It's a group for continuing your Focusing practice; no teaching will be done.

We meet on zoom twice per month. We have a centering/grounding practice to begin followed by a check in (usually in breakout rooms), followed by time for practice in groups of two or three. You can also chose to join an empathy circle if you'd like to observe or practice in a bigger group.

Our next Changes Groups are:
-Sunday, February 23rd, 6:30-8 pm Eastern (see your local time) *note this is the 4th Sunday
-Friday, March 7th, 12:30-2 pm Eastern (see your local time) + Find a Focusing Partner, 11

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Changes Groups
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 3rd or 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- UK Time
Ruth Friedman Group of poeple practising Circcling Lead Being You Logo CPD Logo from Association for Coaching
Discover focusing and other embodied practices to help deepen your work with clients. You’ll also learn to explore your own aliveness and body’s wisdom and discover the gifts it has for you as a person.
Through this work you can learn to regulate your own nervous system and that of your client. As well as focusing, the program will also draw on Circling, the NARM™ framework (Neuro Affective Relational Model) and polyvagal toning. This course is introductory in nature, nonetheless you will gain tools to help you increase the impact of your work with clients.
All sessions are experiential and interactive. Practice with fellow students between taught sessions will help to integrate learning.
More info on video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Y-LMZpWq0&t=2s
Topic: Introductory
- New York time
Highlights logo TIFI events logo Debra Cortese
Focusing Highlights is a series of interactive, online pay-what-you-can classes.

In this Highlight, Debra will share how fitness and health can be approached and practiced in a Focusing way, giving us a fresh relationship to movement and exercise.

Some familiarity with Focusing is helpful, but no prior experience is required. All are welcome to attend and participate.

Online (Class will also be recorded)
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- Hora de Nueva York
TIFI Events logo Rob Parker
Pensar de una forma nueva es vivir y experienciar la vida de una forma nueva. Exploraremos dos aspectos de la filosofía de Gendlin (su nueva forma de pensar) y mostraremos cómo descubrir y transformar un par de supuestos profundamente implícitos puede transformar nuestras vidas y, eventualmente, nuestra civilización.

En línea (La clase también será grabada)
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, TAE/Philosophy, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- Eastern (New York) Time
Reading Freshly The International Focusing Institute Event Member Benefit
Reading Freshly

An opportunity to read Gendlin’s seminal book Focusing with others
A Free Event for Members
Live (no recording)
Once a month on Tuesdays starting March 4, 2025
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing, Other, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- New York time
TIFI Events logo Mary Jennings
Harnessing the Power of Instances with Focusing: “It’s like that time when…”

4-session course led by Mary Jennings

In our everyday conversations we often use what Gendlin calls ‘instances’ to say more of what we mean. We will explore how Focusing can enhance this capacity in many ways. In these 4 weekly sessions we will explore how we can work with instances in a Focusing way. We will look at how poets and other artists use the power of instances to generate striking images and insights and how we can be as creative. We will look at how we might collaborate in generating new insights on everyday ideas by sharing our own ‘instances’ and experiences.

Online (Class will also be recorded)
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Other, TAE/Philosophy, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- PST (Pacific Time)
FOAT Institute Pat Omidian and Nina Joy Lawrence
This presentation is open to those new and experienced in Focusing, Expressive Arts, and FOAT!

Listen to Pioneer Focusers, Pat Omidian and Nina Joy Lawrence, share inspiring stories of bringing Focusing to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other countries… and how they developed Community Wellness Focusing– a collaborative Focusing model that seeks culturally appropriate ways of adapting Focusing to help answer the needs of communities around the globe! Learn how Focusing can be used in everyday life to support grounding, wellness, and inner healing. Experiential exercise included.

Zoom Online
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- New York time
highlights logo TIFI events logo Addie van der Kooy
In this Highlight, Wholebody Focusing Trainer and Coordinator Addie van der Kooy warmly invites you to explore with him these two movements: radically accepting your inner world and connecting back to the aliveness and vastness of “You”.

This class will be highly experiential with space for Q&A and sharing and it is intended for those who are familiar with Focusing, though all are welcome to attend. 

Online (Class will also be recorded)
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- See times in listing below
Reading Freshly The International Focusing Institute Event Member Benefit
Reading Freshly - Asia Pacific

An opportunity to read Gendlin’s seminal book Focusing with others
A Free Event for Members
Live (no recording)
Once a month on Wednesdays starting March 12, 2025
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing, Other, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- Central European Time (CEST)
Felt Sensing path Vera Rolfine Fryd Lyngmo
Get to know the wonderful process of Felt Sensing, (Focusing), that gives you access to what you know, your inner voice, and to more compassion and self-compassion, openness and spaciousness, in encountering your own and others' inner world.
The course is online and runs in the evening, Central European (Summer) Time.

Online on Zoom - a link will be provided before the course starts
Topic: Introductory
- Central European Time
Focusing Praktijk Hester Wijenberg Hester Wijenberg BasisTraining Focusing Hester Wijenberg
In deze live 3-daagse training leer je de basis vaardigheden van Focusing, zoals het naar binnen gaan en wat de stappen zijn in een focusing proces. Je gaat afstemmen en ruimte maken, leert de focussende houding, en gaat contact te leggen met een lijflijk ervaarbaar gevoel. Je leert hoe je bij moeilijke gevoelens kunt blijven en wat er gebeurt als je erdoor overspoeld raakt of ze te ver van je af houdt. Je gaat ook oefenen in tweetallen.

Als je wat meer wilt weten over Focusing, bekijk dan hier mijn video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMvftGO_x4WQ3W7GdyAPkSA

Live, Laren NH, the Netherlands
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate
- Eastern Time (New York Time)
Annette Dubreuil
Learn Gendlin's classic 6 steps of Focusing in this interactive 2-hour workshop. There will be a Focusing demonstration. And you will have the opportunity to experience Focusing for a 20-minute turn, as well as a listening turn in breakout groups.

Next sessions (pick one 2-hour session to attend):
-Tuesday, March 18, 12:30-2:30 pm Eastern
.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate
- Pacific
Ann Weiser Cornell
As these uncertain times continue to challenge us in unprecedented ways, our need for connection and emotional support is greater than ever.

This is a 30-minute free webinar (with Ann Weiser Cornell) with warm, positive tips for emotional self-care no matter what you're going through. Each month is different as Ann responds to the present moment and whatever the group is bringing.

Our hope is that you’ll leave the webinar with a greater sense of resilience and some relief from the stressful feelings you might be having. And that you’ll know you are not alone.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- PT (Pacific Time)
Focusing and Expressive Arts (FOAT) Institute Faculty and Assistant Faculty (Carla, Lynn, Karen)
The Level 1 training course includes 8 Group Meetings, partnerships, group and individual supervision, and more!

This training provides a solid foundation of Focusing-Oriented Expressive Arts (FOAT®) with an emphasis on deepening one’s embodied knowing of the main FOAT approaches– Focusing Attitude, Theme-Directed FOAT, Clearing a Space with Arts, FOAT Check-in, Working on an Issue, Self-Focusing, and Compassionate Listening. Trainees will also expand their understanding of FOAT theories and the philosophy of Focusing. The FOAT Partnership and small group practices open the doorway to learn about others’ processes and provides a foundation for facilitation skills that are continued in Level 2.

Online
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate
- Eastern Time
Annette Dubreuil Two butterflies, Focusing partnerships
In this four part beginner Focusing course for advanced listeners (people with previous experience listening to themselves or others), we delve into each of the 6 steps, with each class including a teaching of one or two steps. Each class also includes listening skills, a small experiential exercise, a demonstration and then small group practice (typically in twos or threes).

Dates for the next groups:
-Fridays, 12:30-2:30 pm Eastern, March 21 to April 11, 2025

Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate
- Pacific
Ann Weiser Cornell
Want to watch as Ann Weiser Cornell guides someone through their very first Focusing session?

Focusing can be puzzling to talk about. It can be hard to learn from a book or a video. But when someone is actually taken through the process, you get it! Be present to observe as Ann guides three first-time Focusers (one each week) - and then comment afterward. The guest Focusers are volunteers who understand that their session will be witnessed by a safe and respectful group of people.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Navigate the World Within, Creating Space for Lasting Change Part 1
This online entry level Focusing skills class prepares you to begin a Focusing partnership. Utilizing Inner Relationship Focusing and Neuroscience based exercises spread out over a few months, this is a great opportunity to ground yourself in the basics of Self-in-Presence as a way of being that creates space for lasting change. You are encouraged to practice both in partnerships and with brief pauses during your day.

For coaches, bodyworkers, therapists, teachers and anyone interested in improving their inner and outer relational skills. Part 1 meets six times for two hours, usually every other week. This class can be your first step toward professional certification by completing Parts 1-4, then entering the ongoing Learning Community for Mastery in Guiding Change.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- New York time
TIFI Events logo Yehudit First
Social Oriented Focusing (SOF) teaches us to untie the KNOTS and NOTS that interfere with relating to others, enabling us to overcome blocks, fears, and automatic behaviors. In this workshop, we'll explore the beautiful dance of giving and receiving, and how it can blossom into a deeper connection with ourselves and others.
 
The workshop will include presentations, guided experiences, SOF – Social Oriented Focusing practicing in Breakout rooms, and time for sharing and questions. All are welcome to attend. Familiarity with Focusing will be helpful.

Online (Class will also be recorded)
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Other, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- Eastern Time (New York)
TAE Symposium The International Focusing Institute Event
This inaugural TAE 3-day symposium will offer a window into the world of TAE and it's applications. With presentations from experienced TAE teachers as well as shorter presentations from students of TAE who are using TAE in project development. Let's explore and learn together!
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, TAE/Philosophy, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- EADT
Focusing Trainer - Biliana Dearly One of the classes
Part 2 of your Focusing Course supports you in deepening your experience with this method and learning how to deal with the most typical blocks to Focusing: the inner conflicts, interruptions, doubts, distractions, feeling too much or not feeling at all. As you deepen the process for yourself, you will learn how to support the process and practice of others.
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate
- Eastern Time
Headshot of a woman with a business jacket Logo of 3 hand drawn circles with the text Focusing With Laura
This comprehensive program will help you connect with your body’s Felt-Sense, navigate emotions with greater simplicity, and develop an inner Presence that fosters balance, resilience, and personal growth. By the end of the program, you’ll feel confident and prepared to apply Focusing techniques in your daily life, creating meaningful change and a deeper connection with yourself and others.
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate
- Eastern Time
Headshot of a woman with a business jacket Logo of 3 hand drawn circles with the text Focusing With Laura
Join us for a live, virtual 9-week training in Inner Relationship Focusing. This transformative practice equips you with the skills to cultivate deep, lasting change in both your personal and professional life.
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Creating Space for Lasting Change, Part 2, Expand your relational skills
PART 2 is about deepening into the Focusing and Listening process by looking more at the role of the Companion. A companion to ourselves as well as others. I introduce neuroscience here. We develop further our personal concept of creating an inner space that welcomes it all and adapting that space as we follow our process. Requires some previous partnership experience.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Certification
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Guiding Skills to Go Deeper, Creating Space for Lasting Change Part 3
Join us for an online advanced Focusing class that helps you understand where you are within a process and then, to sense what is needed from you for this situation now. Utilizing Inner Relationship Focusing, Spatial Awareness and Neuroscience concepts, we learn to guide ourselves and others in ways that invite relational trust, lasting change and life forward flow. Valuable practices for healing professionals, teachers, etc. Discount for those repeating.

Online via Zoom.
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Certification
- Pacific Daylight Time
Group photo from 2024
Annual meeting of Focusers, open space organization, anyone present can offer Focusing based workshop, discussion, or presentation. Our purpose is cooperatively building supportive community amongst Focusers.

Menucha Retreat Center, Columbia Gorge, Oregon
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Changes Groups, Other
- New York time
TIFI Events logo Donata Schoeller
Exploring the vibrant, lived experience of words

In this workshop, we will closely examine Gendlin’s philosophical focus on "transitions." We will experiment with different types of transitions to observe how meaning shifts based on how we connect words and what we do "between" them. We will enact simple exercises with words, and will jointly witness the journeys of insights that arise, even if those words initially seem insignificant or are chosen at random. And we will read passages from Gendlin’s philosophical work to help us understand what is happening.

Online (Class will also be recorded)
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Other, TAE/Philosophy, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events
- Eastern (New York Time)
Annette Dubreuil timeline
Understanding who we are in an embodied way is a powerful way to grow our emotional regulation and emotional intelligence. When we know what it feels like in our bodies when we get scared, or mad, or are happy—or when more complicated patterns or parts emerge—then we can more quickly notice these shifts in our autonomic nervous system. This clarity helps us know when we need to self-soothe or reach out to others for co-regulation.

The class spends the first three weeks in the grounded parts, building a “safe nest” to do the deeper Focusing on our wounded and protector parts in weeks four to seven. As we map our parts, we also map out our timeline. At first with the key memories, and then with the parts that are connected to the memories. We finish the class by completing

Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- Eastern Time
Annette Dubreuil leadership
In this ten-week Focusing course, we learn to use self-regulation and co-regulation to affect the interactions in our relationships. You can explore any relationships, including those that include power (leaders and employees, teacher and students, parent(s) and children).

The goal is to use emotional regulation to create safe and connected relationships that allow for creativity and action to flow.

Next courses:
-Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 pm Eastern, May 1-July 3, 2025
.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- Jerusalem Time
Yehudit First teaching Yehudit First
Social Oriented Focusing (SOF) invites us into an embodied practice to untie the KNOTS and NOTS that interfere with relating to others, enabling us to overcome blocks, fears, and automatic behaviors. Imagine being fully present in the here-and-now in a Focusing way, enjoying interpersonal moments with the freedom to be yourself, instead of repeating stressful patterns of separation.

In SOF Course Level 1, we will set out on an SOF journey of discovery from separation to connection. In a safe group setting, we will explore the steps from feeling alone to feeling together, while being our authentic selves.

SOF expands our Focusing awareness allowing us to meet others while remaining intimate with ourselves and our present moment experience, facilitating

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- Central European Time
Focusing Praktijk Hester Wijenberg Hester Wijenberg BasisTraining Focusing Hester Wijenberg
In deze live 2-daagse BasisTraining gaan we door met verdieping en het oefenen van focussen met een focus maatje. We geven we ook aandacht aan problemen die zich kunnen voordoen tijdens een Focusing proces.

Als je wat meer wilt weten over Focusing, bekijk dan hier mijn video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMvftGO_x4WQ3W7GdyAPkSA

Live, Laren NH, the Netherlands
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate
- Jerusalem Time
People Holding Hands Yehudit First
At some time or another, all of us have been in conflict with someone that we love or that is significant in our lives. Perhaps it was a parent, a child, a partner, a friend, a colleague…whoever it was, something happened, something got in the way of the relationship.

In Social Oriented Focusing ׂׂ(SOFׁ) there is an understanding that the relationship is more important than the conflict, and from this perspective, we can use SOF tools to stop our automatic patterns of reacting and actually manage the conflict.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- Pacific
Jinevra Howard Ann Weiser Cornell
Discover powerful skills for life change based on self-acceptance and being present in the moment. Start to experience the process of Focusing and Focusing partnership. Learn how to cultivate an inner environment of calm, open, curious awareness which is the foundation from which lasting change emerges. Interactive beginning Focusing training by Zoom for 9 weeks, includes partnership practice.

Taught by Jinevra Howard and Ann Weiser Cornell (author of The Power of Focusing).

Includes videos, demos, readings, discussion, group exercises, and individual sessions.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Eastern Time
Headshot of a woman with a business jacket Logo of 3 hand drawn circles with the text Focusing With Laura
Join us for Part 2 of the live, virtual 9-week training in Inner Relationship Focusing. This next step in your journey deepens your practice, equipping you with the skills to foster profound, lasting change in both your personal and professional life.
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate
- Jerusalem Time
People Holding Hands Yehudit First
At some time or another, all of us have been in conflict with someone that we love or that is significant in our lives. Perhaps it was a parent, a child, a partner, a friend, a colleague…whoever it was, something happened, something got in the way of the relationship.

In Social Oriented Focusing ׂׂ(SOFׁ) there is an understanding that the relationship is more important than the conflict, and from this perspective, we can use SOF tools to stop our automatic patterns of reacting and actually manage the conflict.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Creating Space for Lasting Change, Part 2, Expand your relational skills
PART 2 is about deepening into the Focusing and Listening process by looking more at the role of the Companion. A companion to ourselves as well as others. I introduce neuroscience here. We develop further our personal concept of creating an inner space that welcomes it all and adapting that space as we follow our process. Requires some previous partnership experience.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Certification
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Guiding Skills to Go Deeper, Creating Space for Lasting Change Part 3
Join us for an online advanced Focusing class that helps you understand where you are within a process and then, to sense what is needed from you for this situation now. Utilizing Inner Relationship Focusing, Spatial Awareness and Neuroscience concepts, we learn to guide ourselves and others in ways that invite relational trust, lasting change and life forward flow. Valuable practices for healing professionals, teachers, etc. Discount for those repeating.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Certification
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Navigate the World Within, Creating Space for Lasting Change Part 1
This online entry level Focusing skills class prepares you to begin a Focusing partnership. Utilizing Inner Relationship Focusing and Neuroscience based exercises spread out over a few months, this is a great opportunity to ground yourself in the basics of Self-in-Presence as a way of being that creates space for lasting change. You are encouraged to practice both in partnerships and with brief pauses during your day.

For coaches, bodyworkers, therapists, teachers and anyone interested in improving their inner and outer relational skills. Part 1 meets six times for two hours, usually every other week. This class can be your first step toward professional certification by completing Parts 1-4, then entering the ongoing Learning Community for Mastery in Guiding Change.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Eastern Time, New York, USA
Sandy Jahmi Burg 2024 Smartview Conversations
Smartview Conversations is a monthly online gathering to explore the application of our Focusing skills to daily life and interactions. Our skill emphasis for 2025 is being our own Self-Mentor. We will explore and build the resourcing qualities life is asking of us now.
We will model how to create a safe, playful environment that facilitates neural plasticity. These webinars are FREE to attend. Both experienced Focusers and people new to Focusing are welcome. These webinars emphasize Gendlin's action step; how is it we bring Focusing concepts into our daily living.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday, twice in the same day for different time zones. The times are 11:30am - 12:30pm ET New York time and 7:30 - 8:30pm ET New York time.

Online via Zoom.
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, Free, Ongoing
- Vienna time
The International Focusing Institute Event Eugene Fendlin with his father Vienna
The 30th International Focusing Conference will celebrate the 100th birthday of Focusing founder Eugene T. Gendlin in the place of his birth, Vienna. Save the Date!
Topic: Introductory, Beginners-Intermediate, Intermediate/Advanced, The Focusing Institute (TIFI) Events